Appeal for calm after Carrickfergus murder

Gemma Murray

An appeal has been made for calm after the murder of loyalist George Gilmore in Carrickgergus.

Police have described his murder as a "ruthless attack in broad daylight".

Fresh examination of the murder scene today

They have appealed for help in identifying those involved.

PSNI Det Chief Supt Raymond Murray said: "Our thoughts are with the Gilmore family at this time as they come to terms with their loss.

"Those involved had no consideration for the local community when they carried out their attack in a residential street populated with families, young children and older people."

Meanwhile Mr Gilmore's Facebook page has been removed.

The murder scene today

Hours after his death his page was flooded with vile comments.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson, who has appealed for calm, said loyalist factions in the town have been feuding for a number of months.

He called on those behind the feud to bring it to an end.

“My sympathy goes to the loved ones of the deceased,” he said.

“There is now a fear in the community there will be more violence. More gunmen on the street is the last thing the public wants, so I would appeal to those behind this feud to bring it to an end.

“I plead for no retaliation from any faction – guns should not be on our streets. Paramilitary groups have no place in our society. They need to depart the scene and stop inflicting hurt on our community.”